The concept of church membership has garnered significant attention within theological discourse, prompting inquiry into its scriptural underpinnings. For example, despite the absence of explicit references to “church membership” in the Scriptures, many ministry organizations like 9Marks and publications such as Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is Essential (Crossway, 2021), have sought to elucidate its theological significance. This paper delves into the nexus between the biblical text and the historical context surrounding the notion of church membership in the first century.
Through an interdisciplinary approach that synthesizes biblical scholarship with insights from academic works on ancient associations, such as those by Bruce W. Longenecker, John S. Kloppenborg, and Richard S. Ascough, we can discern a pervasive culture of membership spanning diverse demographics and socio-economic strata. This new evidence offers a compelling argument for the theological significance of belonging and membership within the context of the early Christian community.
By illuminating the parallels between first-century associations, guilds, and clubs (θίασος, ἑταῖρος, κοινωνός, συνδιδασκαλίτης, μέλος, etc.) and the modern conception of church membership, this inquiry underscores the imperative of reevaluating theological paradigms through a nuanced understanding of historical and cultural contexts. As such, this study not only enriches scholarly discourse on church membership but also unveils untapped avenues for theological exploration rooted in the scriptural narrative and historical milieu of the early Christian era.